The studio’s string of hits has inevitably spawned a host of spin-offs aimed at all ages and budgets and here, predictably, are some of our top picks:
Digital comics
While Marvel’s origins are in comics, the firm’s success at the box office has brought new legions of fans to the source material.
Recently ebook and digital reading giant Kobo added “dozens” of Marvel comic book titles, including Captain America and Infinity Gauntlet, to its store enabling fans to keep up with their heroes while on the move.
Action Figures
No franchise is complete without at least one range of action figures, and Marvel’s characters is no exception.
Several companies are now making fully licensed, highly detailed figures based both on the characters as they appear in the films and ‘classic’ versions based on comics
Apps
The Avengers and associated franchises have spawned a never ending list of apps.
In addition to buying comics on your Kobo, you can download a dedicated Marvel Comics App for Android and iOS, and which stocks over 3,500 issues.
There’s also standalone interactive book apps such as Iron Man – Mark VII, and an Augmented Reality app which lets you scan selected Marvel products to unlock exclusive content, such as video recaps, character bios, creator commentaries
Games
Whether you prefer to play on a console, your smartphone or tablet or PS4, you’ll find a Marvel related game.
While some tablet and smartphone games such as Iron Man 3 are paid for upfront others, including The Winter Solider, are ‘free’ to download but then require the player to pay for power-ups and add-ons.
Parents are advised to ensure their littles ones don’t rack up bills by making unsanctioned purchases!
Console owners up for some two-player gaming will want to grab a copy of Lego Marvel Super Heroes, a fun title which lets you take control of dozens of Marvel heroes including Spider-Man, Hulk and Black Widow.
As always, look out for a cameo or two from comic legend Stan Lee.
Adult fans looking to take more of a risk will enjoy these fully licensed Marvel games which give you a chance to win something more tangible.
Agents of SHIELD
The first series took a while to fulfil the potential of the pilot which we raved about, but it ended strongly thanks to its dovetailing with Captain America: Winter Solider.
And we’re pleased that the second series, currently airing on Channel 4, has dared to mid things up a big – poor Fitz – as it takes SHIELD’s story onwards ready for the next big screen adventure.
